IMAGINING a new system of welfare is the next step for Unite Community in their campaign against Universal Credit.

A 30-plus strong crowd rallied against its rollout in Colchester last week with guest speakers including political activists Victoria Weaver, Mark Goacher and Selma Ahmed.

The Unite Community Essex branch say it will be carefully monitoring the safeguards Colchester Council has put in place for claimants as well as the impact the benefit might have on them.

Rebecca Rocket, 53, who has been a Unite branch member since January last year, said: "The first thing is to create a group to empower individuals and gain momentum and imagine the type of system we want to create, and campaign for it. It starts with a vision.

"We want to look at how we could promote system that provides people with dignity, doesn't have conditions and gives them enough money to participate in society, rather than being marginalised."

The protest began from the Job Centre Plus building in Chapel Street South.

Off the back of the demo people are being asked to contact the group with their thoughts on Universal Credit and what aspects of the benefits process and overall system need to change.

But also if they would be happy to donate their time to help people struggling to manage their claim.

Aspects of Universal Credit that Unite has taken issue with is the 35-hour commitment to work-based activities, which Rebecca says is "causing homelessness and increased use of foodbanks" - but also that people who are working even have to claim benefits at all.

She said: "There should be a real living wage so people don't have to claim in the first place.

"Also there needs to be support for people during periods of unemployment which is dignified and unconditional."

Contact them on email at colchester@unitecommunityessex.org.uk.